Overview
- Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race over Andrew Cuomo, who had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
- On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver praised Mamdani’s victory speech and rebutted criticisms from pundits including CNN’s Van Jones and the Washington Post.
- Oliver said Mamdani had faced one of the most Islamophobic campaigns in recent memory, framing the speech’s tone as justified.
- He mocked Cuomo’s campaign spots, noting reports that some ads were produced with AI, including a widely discussed Schoolhouse Rock–themed piece.
- Oliver also delivered a parting critique of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, citing a steep approval slide and a string of scandals as the administration heads for a Jan. 1 exit.